Yoga Teacher Training Update II & Ambassador Announcement

In January I started the 200 hour Seva Yoga Teacher Training at Yoga Pod The Woodlands. Did you catch my first summary? Another month down and now I’m over 100 hours complete, so much yoga so little time!

The first half of our training focused more on the history of yoga, the breath (pranayama) and poses (asanas). We’ve also had the opportunity to do many specialty workshops. Intro to Chakras with Lauren, Yoga & Nutrition with Bernadette and The Roll Model Method with Karen. It is amazing how much you can learn in just ten hours a weekend. Every weekend. For the rest of my life. Just kidding we’re already over half way done!

There is much fun to be had in training, we made a lung out of a balloon, play doh and a water bottle and even drew our own mandalas. We also get to participate in public classes at the studio including Pod Flow and Pod Restore (my personal favorite) for more experience during our training hours.

We made a special trip to visit a local cancer survivorship center, the Canopy. I have never stepped into a room and felt stress literally zip out of my body like it did there. This beautiful resource is open to any individual battling cancer or anyone affected by the disease. The Canopy offers many complimentary services such as massages, cooking classes and of course yoga! If you know anyone battling cancer who needs an oasis this is THE place.

Our meditation day was special as well, we tried all different styles including mantra, chakra, gazing, visualization and pranayama. I have tried to meditate here and there over the years, but nothing ever felt quite right. Though I’d always enjoyed meditating I never fully committing to a daily practice as my mind just wouldn’t quiet. But the meditation day helped me get closer to finding a practice that will work for me.

At this point of the 200 hour training we’ve reached the teaching portion, we started by first creating a warm up and going through sun salutations. I’ve taught fitness classes since I was in college but yoga is so much more mindful. The practice and the set up, which I enjoy!

The warm up sets the tone for the entire class, it excites me to think I will be able to welcome yogis (beginner and advanced alike) to embrace the moment and be giddy during our practice together! Diving into sun salutations next we were encouraged to make our own mark on sun A and sun B, and get creative we did. It was fun to see how everyone interpreted the next step of class.

I’ve gained knowledge and can see myself teaching, but even more than that I’ve created wonderful friendships with my fellow trainees!

Previously I’d written about how yoga is different for me versus regular exercise. While I’m a loner in the weight room, with yoga I love being with a group. One of our instructors, Tiffany, often shares with her classes that yoga means yoke, to come together. All of the teacher trainees have certainly come together since January! Each gal in the training has a super secret weapon skill.

Kat brings her creative spirit and unique yoga background to her teaching style. She is cool as a cucumber (seriously she’s the most laid back person I’ve ever met) and has that magical, zen glow 24/7!

Emily is a poet and yogi savant who gives me all the fuzzy, spiritual yoga vibes. Her classes will surely be filled with deep thoughts and soothing words, literally taking you on a journey!

Bella is a shining light in our training with her soaring sweetness and depth of yoga knowledge. She will no doubt continue to grow into a beautiful young woman and instructor from the inside, out!

Bethany is a warm, hilarious gal who has a special view to yoga as she will teach at equine facilities and veteran’s institutions. She is authentic in everything she does and may even get me on a horse by the end of this training (oh and she loves snacks)!

So, yes, I’m getting closer to teaching an actual yoga class! I think I’m even more excited about completing my training so I can teach at a public facility, and may even choose to do some classes in public parks. I have mostly taught fitness classes and trained one on one with clients at private clubs. I’m ready to take on the public with my new skills. Plus I have a Yoga + Positivity Seminar in the works!

Lastly I want to share that I’ve become an Ambassador for Yoga Pod the Woodlands. They offer many wonderful classes that range from challenging to completely zen (and everything in between). This is MY studio, where I feel at home and I want you to join me there! Email guaranteedgiddy@gmail.com to claim your ‘Try a Free Week’ card!